
LESSON 8 May 15 - 21
Model Teacher
"Learn from me" (Matt. 11:29, RSV).
If what Jesus said about Himself was
true.then we would expect that the
methods He used to gain acceptance
would be very important—especially
to those whom He commissioned to
represent Him. Jesus is surely the
master disciple winner, and His
methods of awakening interest,
convincing reasonable men and
women, and finally persuading them
to follow Him in every respect, are
surely the pattern for all modern
witnesses to His truth about life.
No wonder Ellen White said: "As the
. highest preparation for your work, I
point you to the words, the life, the
methods, of the'Prince of teachers. I
bid you consider Him. Here is your
true ideal. Behold it, dwell upon it,
until the Spirit of the divine Teacher
shall take possession of your heart and
life."—Education,
p. 282.
This week we shall study several
aspects of the Model Teacher. No
teacher can truly fulfill his role unless
his students can be convinced that he
practices what he teaches. Jesus was a
living illustration of the message He
taught.
The Model Teacher laid down the
basic principle of respect for the
individual. Does the teacher teach to
satisfy his ego and court recognition
for his intelligence? If so, although he
may be a very learned instructor, he
merely uses his students; he does not
respect them as of great consequence.
The Model Teacher saw in every
person, no matter how far down on
the social ladder, unlimited
possibilities if he or she would accept
His teachings. In fact, our Lord's
concern for people becomes very
obvious as we watch Him give respect
to Nicodemus, "the teacher of Israel,"
extend utmost courtesy to the
Samaritan woman, and demonstrate
warm consideration to the nobleman
(whose son He healed) or to the
helpless cripple at the pool. The first
consideration every genuine Christian
teacher must exhibit is respect for the
particular needs and capacities of
people.
Respect for the individual leads to
tactfulness and adaptability. The
Model Teacher made learning easy
because His listeners were disarmed
by His courtesies and fine perceptions
of human feelings. He did not intrude
abruptly into another's life. Knowing
that He had the most important
message in all the world, He yet
demonstrated amazing restraint, with
a keen sense of timing and the proper
thing to say or do.
But the Model Teacher knew more
than skillful social techniques and the
craft of public speaking—He knew His
message. Students, young and old,
have a way of discovering very soon
whether their teacher knows his
"subject" and enjoys teaching. Our
Lord's enthusiasm, His simplicity and
depth of thought, His clearness and
directness—all these characteristics
indicate a Teacher who had mastered
His subject and who wanted nothing
else in the world but to teach and
persuade others regarding the
greatness of His messages.
"Jesus saw in every soul one to
whom must be given the call to His
kingdom. He reached the hearts of the
people by going among them as one
who desired their good. He sought
them in the public streets, in private
houses, on the boats, in the
synagogue, by the shores of the lake,
and at the marriage feast. He met them
at their daily vocations, and
manifested an interest in their secular
affairs. He carried His instruction into
the household, bringing families in